Mumbai's Kurian Jacob, 76, Chases World Record in Masters Swimming

Kurian Jacob, a 76-year-old former international banker from Mumbai, has turned his retirement into a new beginning by pursuing a career in competitive swimming. Despite starting late, Jacob has made a name for himself in the Masters swimming circuit, representing India in various international competitions.

Jacob's journey in competitive swimming began in 2019 when he was persuaded by college friends to enter a state-level Masters swimming competition. He won a few medals, but it was his subsequent national competition that motivated him to improve. With the help of YouTube tutorials, Jacob began practising seriously and soon started seeing results.

By 2023, Jacob was ready to test himself internationally and travelled to Finland, where he won three silver and two bronze medals. He has since competed in various international events, including the World Masters Games in Taipei, where he won nine medals, including two golds. His standout performance was in the three-kilometre open-water event, where he won gold despite initial anxiety.

Jacob's next major target is the World Masters Games in Kansai, Japan, in 2027, where he aims to set a world record in the 200-metre freestyle event in the 75-80 age category. To achieve this, he follows a demanding training routine, swimming about three kilometres in the morning and training six days a week. He also visits the gym three days a week and incorporates stretching and yoga into his routine.

Jacob's diet includes minimally processed and slow-cooked foods, and he follows intermittent fasting. He believes that nutrition is an area that requires greater attention and is working to improve his diet. Sound sleep is also central to his recovery.

Jacob's ambitions extend beyond personal medals, and he is advocating for greater support for India's Masters athletes through the WalkAbout athlete program. He believes that with the right support and training, Indian athletes can achieve great things in the Masters circuit.

Jacob's story is an inspiration to many, showing that it's never too late to start a new career or pursue a new passion. His dedication and hard work are a testament to the fact that age is just a number, and with the right mindset, anything is possible.

As Jacob prepares for the World Masters Games in 2027, he is focused on his goal of setting a world record. With his training and dedication, he is sure to make a splash in the Masters swimming circuit and inspire many others to follow in his footsteps.

The World Masters Games in Kansai, Japan, will be a major test for Jacob, but he is confident in his abilities and is ready to take on the challenge. With his experience and training, he is sure to make India proud and achieve his goal of setting a world record.

In conclusion, Kurian Jacob's story is a remarkable one, showing that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible. His pursuit of a world record in the 200-metre freestyle event is an inspiration to many, and his advocacy for greater support for India's Masters athletes is a testament to his passion for the sport.